Brazil central bank eyes expansion for Pix payment system as US trade scrutiny intensifies

Brazil's central bank is actively assessing the potential for integrating its highly successful instant payment system, Pix, with similar platforms abroad. This move comes as Pix faces increased scrutiny from the U.S. government, which has cited the system among practices it deems unfair, contributing to new tariffs on Brazilian goods.

The central bank's latest report indicates a firmer stance on international connectivity compared to previous assessments. Authorities are discussing bilateral connections and participation in multilateral payment hubs, aiming to reduce costs, accelerate cross-border transactions, broaden access, and enhance transparency. Brazil's central bank has already signed information-sharing agreements on Pix with 65 foreign counterparts, including countries like Germany, Canada, South Africa, and Turkey.

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connecting instant payment systems could lower costs, accelerate transactions, broaden access and improve transparency in cross-border payments.

Since its introduction in late 2020, Pix has revolutionized Brazil's financial sector. The system facilitates real-time transfers through banking apps, offering free person-to-person payments and significantly cheaper options for merchants. This has bypassed much of the traditional card payment infrastructure, eroding the market share of global networks such as Mastercard and Visa.

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The platform "may in the future" be integrated with international instant-payment systems.

The U.S. administration, under President Donald Trump, specifically mentioned Pix in a trade investigation, raising concerns about the central bank's dual role as both operator and regulator. This finding was instrumental in justifying a 25% tariff on Brazilian imports. The central bank, however, maintains its long-standing position that Pix is a critical piece of public digital infrastructure.

Pix transactions saw a substantial increase of 25.7% in 2025 compared to the previous year, reaching nearly 80 billion transactions with a volume exceeding 35 trillion reais ($6.87 trillion). Consumer-to-business payments now account for 43% of all Pix transactions, a significant rise from 6% in 2020, solidifying its role as a dominant retail payment method in Brazil.

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Pix is critical public digital infrastructure.